Time to address poverty

Published: 25 November, 2010

• I HAVE lived in Gospel Oak for 34 years and have seen, particularly over the last five, its increasing neglect by the council. 

Recent examples include a river and a lake of sewage (both of which took the council two weeks to clear) and neglect of repairs to housing. 

We were starved of funds for youth work and our streets became increasingly pot-holed. 

While it is to be welcomed that the council has “plans” for addressing this neglect, this can only be with the full participation of people who live and work in the area. The plans must address not only bricks and mortar issues but also the poverty and deprivation. 

The plans must also build on what community action already exists, knowledge of which, judging by recent council documents, is sadly lacking and mistaken. 

For example the Scott Wilson report referenced in the New Journal of November 18 says that Gospel Oak “is not working” and has a high crime rate; neither of which is true. 

Indeed the fact that crime has decreased in Gospel Oak is the result of the voluntary efforts of the Safer Neighbourhood Panel working with local police. 

There are many examples of groups getting together to garden such areas as Lismore Circus. 

In the 1960s we saw the wholesale destruction of much of the Gospel Oak community. 

Any future developments must be with the consent of local people who must be in the driving seat.

MICK FARRANT
Oak Village, NW5